The BBC has launched its annual Food and Farming Awards. This is to award the people and organisations working to promote good food in Britain. There are several categories, as listed below, in which nominations are accepted. The closing date for entries is the 15th September.

• Best 'Dinner Lady (or man)
  For the best cook offering healthy meals in an institution such as a school, hospital, care home etc. Local food must be cooked on the premises.
• Best Take-Away
  Here they are looking for the very best Indian, Italian, Chinese, or good old fish and chips.
• Best Local Food Retailer
  These are the very cream of local butchers, fish mongers, bakers and delicatessants.
• Best Food Producer
  For producers of food from milk and meat through to cakes and drinks.
• Farmer of the Year
  The Farming Today award for facing the challenges of farming in the 21st century.
• Best Regional/National Retail Initiative
  For any chain of food shops or supermarkets supplying food on a large scale - ethical and sustainability are the keys here.
• BBC Food Personality of the Year
  This is the award for TV chefs, broadcasters or writers.
• The Derek Cooper Special Award
  For the individual or organisation that's done most to increase our understanding of good food and the vital role it plays in our lives.

The Telegraph and Sainsbury's have agreed, that following last years success with the Taste of Britian Awards, they are going to hold another event this year.

With the support of the Prince of Wales the awards give recognition to enterprise and innovation. Last years winners "displayed the courage to step out from behind the protective shield of run-of-the-mill, sure-fire commercial success to produce food and drink that was exotic yet gave more than a nod to the great traditions of British food".

The force of local British food seems unstoppable at the moment and these awards are a great way to encourage its continued development and raise awarness of all things British.

The James Beard Foundation has just announced their nominees for the 2006 James Beard Foundation Awards. The awards are the most prestigious in the industry and honor the top culinary professionals in every category, from journalists to cookbooks to chefs. There are 62 awards in all this year. Nominees include:

Best General Cookbooks

• Cooking School Secrets for Real World Cooks by Linda Carucci; The Cook's Book by Jill Norman; The Instant Cook by Donna Hay

Internet writing on Restaurant, Food, Beverage or Nutrition

• "Reserve Wines Score, by at What Price?"; "Down with Gloves: Why Chefs Shouldn't Have to Wear Them"; "Star Wars: Did Michelin Lower the Bar for New York?"

Best Internet Website for Food

• AliceFeiring.com; Epicurious.com; LeitesCulinaria.com